The Leyland Atlantean registered as JJY630G was built for Plymouth City Transport (Fleet No. 230) by PRV (Body No. B56098) in May 1969.
The bus was in service until 1984 after which it was exported to Sydney, Australia, then subsequently sent to Perth, WA, along with two other PRV bodied Plymouth Atlanteans. Upon purchase by Osborne’s of Muswellbrook, NSW, it returned to NSW and upon retirement it was sold to Booze bus in Melbourne who commenced extensive side re-paneling and roof renewal.
The bus was then sold on to a bus enthusiast in Nowra, NSW, and latterly acquired by Catherine Norman of Forest Miniatures (London Transport Heritage Centre) on Sydney’s northern beaches. The bus is finally undergoing restoration; and repairs & repainting have commenced. There is some speculation that the upper deck roof height was lowered to 4.3 meters (14’ 1¼ inches) in total, hence the upper deck internal height is around 1.727 meters (5’ 8 inches).
JJY630G joins a growing fleet of British Heritage buses including one of the best known London Transport Leyland Nationals LS13 London Lady. The small team of 7 to 10 volunteers at Forest Miniatures is committed to help restore Australia’s British Transport Heritage and displays are given at local council events, schools and model railway exhibitions. Catherine Norman comments "we are working towards having a permanent home for our exhibits & buses and we always need offers of support."
Catherine Norman kindly sent the following images:
(It's great to know that this Atlantean is undergoing renovation in Australia. We look forward to more news as the work progresses. Ed.)
(JJY630G shown here for sale February 2019) + (And a series of three great accompanying images)
Let's all trust she finds a great new home!